Short Throw Projectors That Fit Small Spaces
The BenQ TK700STi leads our list for gamers and sports fans, offering a 120 inch image from just a few feet away with low input lag. Its main limitation is the lack of a built in speaker, so you will need external audio. For a more versatile pick, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300 is a laser ultra short throw that delivers vibrant 4K HDR images and has a great built in soundbar, but it comes with a higher price tag.
Short throw projectors are a game changer for small apartments and cramped media rooms. They sit close to the wall, so you do not have to worry about people walking in front of the beam. You get a huge image without the long throw distance of standard projectors.
We analyzed the current market to find the best options. Some are ultra short throw, meaning they sit just inches from the screen. Others are standard short throw, needing a bit more space but offering more flexibility in placement. All are real, currently available models.
The shortlist, ranked
BenQ TK700STi
The BenQ TK700STi is a 4K HDR projector with a short throw lens that creates a 100 inch image from just 5 feet away. It has a fast 4.2ms input lag for smooth gaming and a 3000 lumen brightness for use in rooms with some ambient light. It also has a built in Android TV dongle for streaming apps.
Pros
- Very low input lag for gaming
- Bright enough for some ambient light
- Flexible zoom and lens shift
Cons
- No built in speaker
- Fan noise is noticeable on high brightness
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300
The Epson LS300 is a 4K PRO-UHD laser projector with an ultra short throw design. It can project a 120 inch image from just inches away. It features a built in soundbar by Yamaha and supports HDR10+ and HLG. The laser light source lasts up to 20,000 hours.
Pros
- Ultra short throw means no ceiling mount needed
- Excellent built in soundbar
- Laser light source lasts long
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires a special ambient light rejecting screen for best results
Optoma GT2100HDR
The Optoma GT2100HDR is a 1080p short throw projector designed for gaming. It has a 0.50:1 throw ratio, so it can produce a 100 inch image from about 3.6 feet away. It features a 240Hz refresh rate and low input lag. It also has HDR compatibility for better contrast.
Pros
- Very short throw for small spaces
- High brightness for well lit rooms
- Affordable for gaming features
Cons
- Only 1080p resolution
- No lens shift
LG PF610P
The LG PF610P is a compact LED projector with a short throw lens. It is small and light enough to move between rooms. It has a native 1080p resolution and supports HDR10. It includes webOS with streaming apps and has a 30,000 hour LED light source.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Built in smart TV with webOS
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Lower brightness, not for bright rooms
- Small zoom range
Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser
The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser is a pocket sized projector with a laser light source. It is a short throw model with a 1.2:1 ratio, but its portability is the main draw. It offers 1080p resolution, HDR10, and a 360 degree speaker. It runs Android TV 11 for all your streaming apps.
Pros
- Very small and portable
- Built in battery for on the go
- Smart TV interface
Cons
- Low brightness for dark rooms only
- Not a true short throw, needs more distance
ViewSonic PX749-4K
The ViewSonic PX749-4K is a short throw 4K projector with 4000 ANSI lumens of brightness. It has a 0.69 to 0.83 throw ratio, so it can produce a 100 inch image from about 5 feet away. It supports HDR and has a built in 10W speaker.
Pros
- Very bright for daytime viewing
- 4K resolution with HDR support
- Flexible placement with zoom
Cons
- Larger and heavier
- No smart features
XGIMI Aura
The XGIMI Aura is a 4K ultra short throw laser projector with 2400 ANSI lumens. It can project a 150 inch image from just 16 inches away. It features dual speakers tuned by Harman Kardon and includes Android TV with Chromecast built in.
Pros
- Large image from close distance
- Excellent built in audio
- Smart TV features
Cons
- High price tag
- Needs a good screen for full quality
How to pick the right one
How they compare
| # | Model | Throw ratio | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BenQ TK700STi | 0.9 to 1.08 | Gaming and sports | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300 | 0.16 | Movies and streaming | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Optoma GT2100HDR | 0.50:1 | Budget gaming | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | LG PF610P | 0.8:1 | Portability and casual use | 8.5 | Check price |
| 5 | Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser | 1.2:1 | Ultra portable and smart features | 8.3 | Check price |
| 6 | ViewSonic PX749-4K | 0.69 to 0.83 | Bright room viewing | 8.6 | Check price |
| 7 | XGIMI Aura | 0.23:1 | Luxury home theater | 9.0 | Check price |
Questions worth asking
What is the difference between short throw and ultra short throw?
Short throw projectors have a throw ratio between 0.4 and 1.0, meaning they need to be placed about 3 to 6 feet away from the screen. Ultra short throw projectors have a ratio below 0.4, so they can sit inches away from the screen. Ultra short throw projectors are more convenient but often more expensive and require a special screen for best performance.
Can short throw projectors work in bright rooms?
Yes, but you need a projector with high brightness, typically 3000 ANSI lumens or more. Even then, direct sunlight or strong ambient light can wash out the image. Using blackout curtains or a high gain screen can help. Models like the ViewSonic PX749-4K are designed for ambient light resistance.
Do I need a special screen for a short throw projector?
Not necessarily, but a standard white screen or a matte wall will work. For ultra short throw projectors, a screen with ambient light rejecting properties is recommended to prevent image distortion and improve contrast. Some projectors have adjustable feet to align the image, but a screen is still beneficial.
What is the ideal throw ratio for a small room?
For a small room, look for a throw ratio of 0.5 or lower. This allows you to get a large image from a short distance. For example, the BenQ TK700STi has a ratio of 0.9 to 1.08, which is short throw but not ultra short. The Epson LS300 has a ratio of 0.16, so it can be placed very close to the wall.
Are short throw projectors good for gaming?
Many short throw projectors are excellent for gaming. Look for low input lag, ideally under 20ms, and a high refresh rate. The BenQ TK700STi has 4.2ms input lag and 240Hz, making it a top choice. Some models also have game modes that optimize settings.
How long do projector bulbs last?
Traditional lamp projectors have bulbs that last around 3000 to 5000 hours. Laser projectors, like the Epson LS300, can last 20,000 hours or more. LED projectors also have long lifespans, often 30,000 hours. This makes them more cost effective over time.
Can I use a short throw projector with a gaming console?
Yes, you can connect a gaming console via HDMI. Check that the projector supports the console’s resolution and refresh rate. Also look for a low input lag for competitive gaming. The BenQ TK700STi is ideal for this purpose.
What is the best resolution for a short throw projector?
For a home theater, 4K is the best for clarity and detail, especially on screens larger than 100 inches. If you are on a budget, 1080p is still good. Consider your content sources. Streaming services offer 4K, but for gaming, 4K may require a powerful console or PC.
Do short throw projectors have built in speakers?
Some do, but quality varies. The BenQ TK700STi does not have speakers, while the Epson LS300 has a Yamaha soundbar. If you want good audio without extra speakers, look for models with high quality built in sound. Otherwise, plan to use an external sound system.
How do I set up a short throw projector?
Place the projector on a stable surface in front of the screen or wall. Adjust the distance to get the desired image size. Use keystone correction if needed, but keep it minimal for best quality. For ultra short throw, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid image distortion.
The bottom line
For most people, the BenQ TK700STi is the best all around short throw projector because it combines 4K resolution, high brightness, and gaming features at a reasonable price. If you have a bigger budget and want a hassle free setup, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300 offers superb built in audio and an ultra short throw design that fits any room. Choose the BenQ for gaming and value, or the Epson for a premium home theater experience.
